CLEARLAKE >> A two-hour daily, four-days-a-week schedule has kept siblings Maeli Flores, 16, and Jose Medina, 13, of Clearlake quite occupied since December of last year. The brother and sister have practiced how to deliver the perfect jab and uppercut while polishing critical thinking and decision-making skills in a new boxing and life skills class.
“Having a space to practice here is great,” Medina expressed. “It’s where I can get better for my competitions.” The Konocti Education Center student has already won two boxing competitions and said he’s excited to see how far he can make it.
Along with Medina and his sister, are about 30 other eight through 18-year-olds enrolled — and the class is only growing. This is part of one of the many activities available at the Clearlake Youth Center, which announced its official welcome to the public on Monday.
The center, located at 4750 Golf Ave. in Clearlake, is a nonprofit organization operated by Lake County Youth Services, Inc. and established in 2013. After facing a series of building and financial obstacles, the center had to close down its doors for some time, according to Youth Center president Loren Freeman.
“The former owners needed help,” said Freeman. “But now we transitioned and are open again. They (the former board members) were instrumental in that we are here today.”
Today, the remodeled center features a full kitchen and eating area, a homework station with four computers, a boxing and workout section, pool and air hockey tables, and ample floor space to host a variety of events planned. The organization currently has about 15 volunteers, including two local teachers, signed up to offer afterschool tutoring.
Much of the success of its comeback is much credited to local organizations, Freeman said. For example, the nearby church Clearlake First Assembly of God donated $10,000 in cash, and the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues (PAL) gave $18,000 in grant funds. Other organizations like Student Reach and Xtreme Impact Youth Ministries have donated $5,000 each. Freeman said money is not all locals have contributed. Performance Mechanic, a heating and cooling company, owned by Clearlake Vice-Mayor Phil Harris, installed a complete heating and cooling system at the center for free.
On Monday, the new board — comprised of seven members — thanked the room of about 50 community members for attending and shared why they decided to join the Youth Center. All board members opened up about previous experience with the youth, some who were little league coaches and youth group leaders at local churches.
Freeman was the first to speak and shared the mission of the center: to encourage youth by making an “IMPACT” — which stands for Inspire, Motivate, Positive, Attitude, Courage, Team. He went on to say that “we live in a fatherless society. We got broken kids here. They need trust to help them face what they got going on in life. Whatever it takes to get kids off the streets and get them in here so we can partner them with a caring adult. That’s our vision.”
Youth Pastor at First Assembly of God and Youth Center board member Chris Massingill shared how he has worked with hundreds of underprivileged children from Clearlake and was not sure why the Youth Center, under former management, never asked to work together. When he visited the facility most recently and saw a shift in participation, he decided to join the board. He said, “When this place grows…and when you start seeing kids with scholarships to college and fight in boxing competitions, lives will begin to change. This is only the beginning.”
Secretary of the Youth Center Delores Farrell was the last member to speak, sharing that “it takes the whole community to buy in for change.” She also commented that the boxing class is more than just throwing a punch. “Yes, they’re learning how to punch and counterpunch, but they’re also learning how to focus, how to stay with something and as Loren said, ‘stand up to adversity.’ We want these kids to be able to step up to and face their problems in a constructive way,” she explained.
Mitchell Rodgers, senior pastor at Harvest Fellowship in Clearlake and one of six boxing coaches at the center jumped in to say that he has “a very busy schedule, but these kids are worth it.” He held a boxing demonstration on Monday between him, Flores and Medina, demonstrating what the teens have learned so far.
Some members of the county and city, including District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith, Clearlake Mayor Bruno Sabatier, and Clearlake Councilmember Joyce Overton, sat amongst the public.
When asked about the center’s comeback, Sabatier said, “This needs to be accessible. Sometimes little league isn’t affordable for everyone, but this can help. This has the excitement that the community needs.”
Though the Youth Center has had a productive “rebirth” as some put it, there is still much work left.
Freeman said, “This is the first location. Our vision is to go countywide with mentoring, teaching and caring, committed adults to partner with kids.”
Board members said they are looking for more agencies to be a part of the Youth Center. One way they can team up is by signing up for the Sponsor a Champion program. By donating $500-$5,000, businesses can receive a series of promotions including placement of their logo on the front of the facility, top placement on banners at events and other benefits. More volunteers and program suggestions are also sought, Farrell said.
Those interested in joining and learning more about the Clearlake Youth Center can send an email to clearlakeyouthcenter@gmail.com or call 707-994-5437.
